The government of Cyprus recently announced that it is working toward reaching an agreement with Lebanon on the delimitation of an exclusive economic zone in the Eastern Mediterranean sea by June 2002, reported M2 Communications.

The Cypriot government is also engaged in discussions with its other neighbors—Egypt and Syria—over the demarcation of such a zone, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Nicos Rolandis stated after a meeting with the Lebanese Energy and Water Minister Mohammad Abdel Hamid.

The ministers also discussed a plan to transform Cyprus into a transit hub for liquefied natural gas (LNG), produced in the Middle East and directed toward export to European and Mediterranean markets.

Another issue on the ministers’ agenda was the possibility of future cooperation between the Lebanese air carrier, Middle East Airlines, and Cyprus Airways. The two reportedly seek to collaborate in operating a direct flight service to the United States. — (menareport.com)